what speaker boehner has done is create a situation in which we are going to go over the fiscal cliff. but the people who want higher taxes, the democrats they will not be ready for it. it was john boehner that walked away the negotiations to try plan-b and then it was mr. boehner who failed to pass the plan. and then it was mr. boehner who said it was somebody else's problem. what he has done is a debacle for the republicans. the white house has been sitting back and letting it happen. you can call it deal and jam. >> i am optimistic that we can reach an greept that can pass both houses in time. senators reed and mcconnell are working on such an agreement as we speak. but, if an agreement is not reached in time, between reed and mcconnell, i will urge senator reed to bring to the floor a basic package for an up or down vote, one that protects the middle class from an income tax hike and extends the vital life line of unemployment insurance for two million americans looking for a job and lays the groundwork for more cooperation on deficit reduction and economic growth. guys, i can hea